A MOTHER-OF-FOUR who broke her former friend's nose had set an appalling example to her children, a judge said.

Tracy Lorraine Hartley, 35, attacked Karen Ogden outside Lawrence Street Working Men's Club, York.

Simon Waley, prosecuting at York Crown Court, said the two women had become embroiled in an argument between families, and Hartley punched Ms Ogden in the face as she waited for her taxi just before midnight on March 26.

Hartley's mother, Linda Margaret Ashton, also got involved in the altercation, shouting abuse and gesticulating at Ms Ogden.

Witnesses described how Ms Ogden tried to retreat and avoid Hartley, and 54-year-old Ashton, but Hartley approached her and punched her once in the middle of her face.

Ms Ogden fell to the ground, her nose broken and blood pouring from her face.

In a police interview, Hartley, of Constantine Avenue, Tang Hall, York, said she had three or four pints to drink that night.

At York Crown Court, Hartley pleaded guilty to assault. Ashton, of Sterne Avenue, Tang Hall, admitted a public order offence.

The Honorary Recorder of York, Judge Paul Hoffman, told Hartley: "You have got children to look after. It is appalling that you go brawling in this way, probably drunk as well. Is that a good example to set?

"At least it can be said that you have pleaded guilty to what you have done, but you have broken a woman's nose in a totally unprovoked attack. She must have been in extreme pain and I did wonder whether I might have to lock you up for that, but I think I can avoid that."

Hartley, who has four children aged between ten and 16, was ordered to complete 180 hours of community punishment and pay £250 compensation to Ms Ogden.

Ashton was given a one-year conditional discharge, and ordered to pay court costs of £204.

Updated: 10:13 Monday, August 29, 2005